Do something about it

We all get to that point in our lives where we realize this is not where we pictured ourselves. This happened to me about two months ago. I was 100 pounds heavier than ever before and had a job that required me to work long hours and paid little. Even though I had a fabulous husband and two wonderful little boys, I still felt unfulfilled.

This had been going on for a while but I was convinced this was just my lot in life. I had never graduated from college and was unsure of what field I could even try other than retail management.

Sixty days ago, everything came to the boiling point. I was ranting and raving to my husband about my frustration. I had entered my thirties with a groan, not a bang. I missed the thin, confident me. I wanted to be proud of my job, not ashamed and miserable. He's heard it all before but said something he never has: "Do something about it."

Simplistic, yes, but the person who knew me better than anyone had basically told me to get off my butt and change. Instead of being passive and allowing me to wallow in self pity, he actually challenged me.

My initial reaction was outrage. Obviously, if it were that easy I would've already done it. Right? I went to bed that night but didn't sleep. I had to be honest with myself - I hadn't really tried to change or improve. I only made half-hearted attempts and quit when it became inconvenient. Every day you hear stories of average people doing extraordinary things with their lives. Could I be one of those people?

The next day I searched every diet and exercise program out there, and after two days picked one that seemed to fit into my lifestyle the best. It wasn't easy, but after two weeks of effort I decided to then focus on my career. I knew this was going to be more of a challenge. I thought about going back to school, but I really couldn't decide what I wanted to take.

I had almost faced defeat when a lady from church suggested starting a cleaning company. I had been cleaning for her on the side for a few years at a third of what the larger chains charge. At first I scoffed at the idea, but really, there wasn't an affordable company out there for everyone. Could I change the industry? I did research on top of research, and everything told me this was right.

With my husband's support, I quit my job and started the Fuzzy Slipper Cleaning Company. It was scary, but I wanted to be scared for once. I was tired of being comfortable. My first week was a booming success, with more and more clients every day.

I am now 40 pounds lighter and the happiest I have been in years. Some days I work four hours and some days I work 10, but it's all for me. I finally have the sense of accomplishment I was missing.

It's OK to complain about things - that's life - but if you are truly unhappy, then do something about it.

Jennifer Bunning of Burlington is the owner of Fuzzy Slipper Cleaning Company (www.fuzzyslippercleaningcompany.com).